Split Top Roubo Bench Build

mo siopa said:
Love the bench.  The "Orc" burl veneer adds a nice touch.

Thanks Mo.

I am using the heck out of the bench.  Now that it's under the cabinets the work flow is greatly improved.  I don't forget what I wanted to get from the cabinets on the way there.

Lie Nielsen Low angle jack plane using the blade with a 50 deg. micro bevel.  A-MAZ-ING!  I blows right through difficult woods that tore wen I used any other plane.  I bought the kit.  Expensive, yes.  But worth it.  I made a shooting board (Locks in the leg vise)  The package includes a "hot dog" handle for grasping the plane on the shooting board.

If you need to plane smaller pieces of wood and you want them dead on square, take the time to build one.  I put some delrin strips on the plane track and it slides like butter.  Melamine on the bottom board might work well too.
Have a safe holiday everyone.

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Luke, I don't mean to steal your thunder but look what The Mrs. surprised me with this morning for my birthday.  I agree, using a shoot board is the bomb!

Such packaging!
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A perfect compliment for my Vogt shoot board. 
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Jim Kirkpatrick said:
Luke, I don't mean to steal your thunder but look what The Mrs. surprised me with this morning for my birthday.  I agree, using a shoot board is the bomb!

Such packaging!
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A perfect compliment for my Vogt shoot board. 
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DOG!
 
First project on the bench.  Paul Sellers craftsman lamp.

I’m gonna build it all old school by hand.  Even bought some narrow LN mortise chisels.  I get the stock ready, watch Paul’s videos a couple more times, play and pause them as I mortise along.

I build Paul’s jig to keep the chisel vertical and mod it so I can’t damage the sides walls while I’m prying and extracting the waste.  I’m at least 90 minutes into it and I still have a bunch to go.  I start thinking about the other 15 mortises and sixteen tenons and how it’s going to take me a couple months like the bench.  Discouraged.

I take a breather and when I turn my chair around what do I see at eye level?  A systainer calling out…..  “Luke.  Use the Domino.”  Thirty minutes later one side is finished.

I feel so guilty!  Hi.  My name is Luke and I’m a Festool Junkie”

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Jim Kirkpatrick said:
Luke, I don't mean to steal your thunder but look what The Mrs. surprised me with this morning for my birthday.  I agree, using a shoot board is the bomb!

Such packaging!

The No. 51  A thing of beauty.  I can't tell you how many times I've looked at that plane!

 
Luke,  Hearing that, I guarantee you will one day have one.  I just went out to the shop for some play.  I put a 30 degree microbevel on it.  It works wizzuh!
 
I have powered through this thread the past two nights after I put the little ones to bed.  I am in awe.  Both with the way you have documented the process (especially the errors) and your candor with your mental illness.  My wife suffers from various mental issues and our life has changed dramatically because of it.  I am biased, but I feel open discussion is necessary and I applaud you for your honesty.

Back to the bench.  Holy @#$%!!!  That thing is a piece of art.  I have inherited a lot of tools from my grandfather (and stuff my dad no longer uses).  I simply love old tools whose quality of manufacture can stand the test of time.  I think that it is awesome that your bench will live on as long as someone cares for it to be around.  Simply beautiful.  Someday I would love to attempt a Roubo and hopefully Marc's videos and this thread will still be around for reference.
 
travisj said:
I have powered through this thread the past two nights after I put the little ones to bed.  I am in awe.  Both with the way you have documented the process (especially the errors) and your candor with your mental illness.  My wife suffers from various mental issues and our life has changed dramatically because of it.  I am biased, but I feel open discussion is necessary and I applaud you for your honesty.

Back to the bench.  Holy @#$%!!!  That thing is a piece of art.  I have inherited a lot of tools from my grandfather (and stuff my dad no longer uses).  I simply love old tools whose quality of manufacture can stand the test of time.  I think that it is awesome that your bench will live on as long as someone cares for it to be around.  Simply beautiful.  Someday I would love to attempt a Roubo and hopefully Marc's videos and this thread will still be around for reference.

Travis,
Thanks you for your thoughtful post.

Blessings to you and your wife.
Luke
 
In about two weeks I'll undertake the final step of the build.  Flattening the bench.
I've been quite concerned about making the 8'+ rails and clamping them to the sides.

Yesterday I got a great idea!
I'm going to fasten outriggers to the underside of the bench using lag bolts.
Who cares if there are holes under the slab.  I'll make a rail leveling / clamping attachment. The rails can be dialed in and should be stout.

I'm going to make the rails for some extra 3/4" pre-finished ply.  I'll stagger a two layer sandwich and glue and screw them.  Then I'll fasten the guide rail and rip the sandwich giving it a straight edge.  I'm going this route over 2x6's from the lumber yard because it think it will be more stable and I don't own a jointer.

 
I have used 4" x 2" aluminium box extrusion as rails. They are straight and stable and not too expensive. After the flattening I made saw and router fences out of the left over extrusion.
 
Bohdan said:
I have used 4" x 2" aluminium box extrusion as rails. They are straight and stable and not too expensive. After the flattening I made saw and router fences out of the left over extrusion.

Thanks for the idea.  It's a good one.
I stopped by Industrial Metal Supply.  They didn't have 2"x4"  And the larger sizes were about $3.50 a foot.

I did find some 1" x 1" x 1/16" that I think will work.  I don't think it would deflect across a 9' span but I'll put a center support in to be sure.
 
I'm putting this in all my threads.... so you'll get multiple emails.

Ok Guys n’ Gals,  Tool-Home

Let’s see if we can make Tom Bellmare’s phone ring.
Even if it’s to purchase Dust Collector Bags, Saw Blades, or Sandpaper, every order will help. This is business not charity…. that’s the way Tom would like it. 

I understand from [member=4105]tjbnwi[/member] (Bader) that he he’s back home from the hospital, and is teaching Veronica, his wife, the business.  It wouldn’t surprise me if “Tex” answered your call directly, pain and all.  He’s that kinda guy.

I would imagine there’s a business learning process going on with Veronica, so I’m thinking it might take a little longer to ship your order.  But then maybe not…  So get on the phone and keyboard

Phone: 512-428-9140
 
Guys,
I apologize in advance for the multiple posts but this is important and it's a great way to get in contact "my loyal followers"
Side Bar:  I can't believe this many guys read my threads.  I'm humbled.  Was it Yogi Berra that said "I wouldn't want to belong to any club that would have me in it"?
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Back on point.  Let's get some Mojo Going.
Order some CT bags or sand paper.  You always need those.  It's understood that not everybody is in a position to order a machine.

Even if it's a small purchase. 
Please post it!
It matters.
Get the Mojo Going!
 
Once again it is time for me to remind you to purchase something from Tom Bellmare at Tool-Home    Tom is working hard so Tool-Home remains strong for Veronica to run when he can't.

I simply cannot imagine bone cancer and the pain, yet, this Man is working inspire of it all.  A true Texan.

The following is a list of a few accessories between $40-$350  (Hey it's Festool, nothing is inexpensive) If you don't own them,  you desperately need them.
  [smile]

Quick Clamp  491594  $39
You can always use another Clamp

MFT/3 Cross Members  495502  $78
If you have an MFT/3 and don’t have these, they make a difference….certainly for hand planing.

Another Systainer.
You know you need one.

Router Table Widener  493233 (OF1400)  $81
This thing has saved more projects than I can count.  It gives you a lot more control.

Clamping Elements 488030    $114
I love these for sanding and planing.  Might get another myself.

CT Dust Extractor “Turbo Suction Brush”  450644  $135
I own one and it is “absolutely” amazing on carpet.  You won’t be disappointed and you wife will love you.  That said you’ll need to by a CT for in the house. (You need the large hose)

LR32 Hole Drilling Set      583290    $249
Going to make a bunch of cabinets……  This is the nads.  Ask [member=8352]erock[/member]

Parallel Guides    495717  $279
I was able to break down the sheet goods for speakers and cabinets in nothing flat….  If you want to cut strips…. an I mean thin, identical, strips you will need the….

Parallel Guide Extensions.    495718    $155

The MFS 400 Multi-Routing Template  492610  $360
You have heard me rave about this thing.  Circle cutting is amazing and I believe there is a way to do arcs.  However the straight line rectangular templates are used a lot.  Quick clamps are used in the extrusions to clamp the template to your work.
 
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